“The Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6
In his graciousness, God provides wisdom and knowledge. He is not only all-knowing but also discerns the wisest pathways to succeed. If we are humble and careful, we can listen and gain knowledge, wisdom, and understanding: “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” (Proverbs 1:5). Our generation is flooded with information and lacking in wisdom. We have Google without grandparents and textbooks without tutors. We are drowning in the clutter of words without mentors helping us fit into God’s garments for our lives. We need keys of relational insight that unlock the deadbolts to life’s dilemmas.
God generously shares his wisdom with those willing to listen: “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction,” (Proverbs 1:8). His advice is good for “gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior doing what is right and just and fair” (Proverbs 1:2-3). Wisdom gives you the five steps to take and five pitfalls to avoid. Wisdom helps you apply the right things in the right order and at the right time. Yet, wisdom doesn’t always follow a straight line forward.
Wisdom also teaches us purpose in pain and victory in the setbacks. The path to resurrection-life is often concealed under the briar patch of suffering and cross-life. Perseverance makes wine out of crushed grapes and diamonds out of coal. Purified silver is forged in fire. Humility turns breadcrumbs into banquets. Confession leads to victory, perseverance to resilience, and crushing to compassion. Prudence coaxes us to give when the self wants to hoard. And wisdom sees that self-sacrifice takes us to higher mountains than self-gratification. Wisdom discloses an ancient secret: Two steps backward with the Lord always lead us to higher heights.
Thank God for his generous wisdom, it achieves its purpose. While we push through the mire in the valleys, God’s wisdom gives us the perseverance to climb the right mountains and fight the right battles. And if we do, we will certainly stand on the summit of his greater blessings and victory.
Tags: wisdom, grow, listen, instruction, insight, understanding, advice, foolish, knowledge, folly, prudence
